Consider These Hurricane Sandy Preparation Tips

National Grid has compiled the following list of steps to take prior to Hurricane Sandy:

• Before lowering a TV antenna or satellite dish, make sure to turn off and unplug the TV, and avoid power lines.
• Turn off all swimming pool pumps and filters, and wrap them in waterproof materials.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings ahead of time to keep food fresh longer in the event of a power outage.
• Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment.
• When working on a ladder, look up and note the location of power lines before beginning. Be sure that ladders or scaffolds are far enough away so that the person – and the ends of the tools they're using – don't come within 10 feet of power lines.

Prepare a family emergency kit with items including:

• Water. The American Red Cross recommends one gallon of water per person per day.
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food).
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps.
• Cell phone with chargers

One might also want to include:

• Prescription medications and glasses.
• Infant formula and diapers.
• Pet food and extra water for pets.
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
• Fire extinguisher.
• Matches in a waterproof container.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels.
• Paper and pencil.
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

Westborough Patch is monitoring the storm.